Issue Date: June 1, 2008
"Wear and tear" arthritis
Weight loss can alleviate pain from osteoarthritis.
Try a "no gain, no pain" approach to exercise.
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As the first baby boomers enter their senior years, it's clear they've picked up some mileage in the form of corporate softball, 10k charity runs, pickup basketball and race walking. For many, the exercise has added not only years to their life, but also life to their years. Unfortunately, for approximately 27 million adults, the aging process has brought with it osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in our population.
Osteoarthritis, which also is called OA or "wear and tear" arthritis, generally occurs over the course of years. The cartilage "padding" covering the ends of the bones wears away, eventually leaving only the bone surfaces touching each other. OA symptoms are commonly seen in large, weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
Researchers long have debated the relative importance of exercise (or lack thereof) as a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. Some have suggested that high-impact exercise routines such as jogging eventually may lead to OA, while others have not observed this relationship. Still, aging itself is a risk for developing OA, so even those seniors who have no history of trauma to a joint may find themselves dealing with OA as they age.
A major risk factor for both developing and aggravating underlying OA is excess weight. For OA sufferers, losing just a few pounds can significantly improve how an affected joint feels. The problem, however, is that the discomfort associated with OA can make it difficult for patients to develop a program of exercise adequate to aid weight loss.
Also, older athletes tend to live by the slogan "No pain, no gain." But my goal for people with OA is to help them understand the concept of "No gain, no pain." By this, I mean that one of the most effective ways to improve the pain and discomfort of OA is to keep (or get) your weight down. This approach, although not as glitzy as expensive medicines or as fancy as joint braces, is important for anyone with osteoarthritis. When done in conjunction with low-impact exercise (such as using a stationary cycle or an elliptical trainer), a little weight loss gives OA patients a chance to improve their condition. For active boomers, that should be comforting.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
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